Guidelines for road and gravel handlebars

From a brand Velox to a common name

The word guidoline is originally a trademark of the French Velox. Its popularity in the pelotons has turned it into a common name: French-speaking cyclists call guidoline any tape wrapped around a racing handlebar, regardless of the brand. Velox still offers the braided cotton tape, glued on its inner side, which used to decorate racing bikes of the past, under the names Tressostar and Tressorex. Cotton provides a firm grip, ages well over time, and is sometimes finished with shellac, a favoured finish among vintage bike enthusiasts and single speed fixed gear riders.

The other components

The components also come in various forms:

• Handlebar tapes.
• Handlebars.
• Grips.
• Handlebar extensions.
• Stems.
• Sleeves.

All the components are gathered on the peripheral components page.

Touch, grip, and cushioning according to the road or gravel

The choice is between feel and comfort. On road, we mainly seek grip and touch: the Prologo Plaintouch focuses on a soft surface, the Supacaz Super Sticky Kush is known for its grip, and the Velox High Grip keeps its grip in wet hands. On gravel, the vibrations from rough paths justify more cushioning: the Lizard Skins DSP, in its thicker version, or the BBB Gel better filter out the stones. For added comfort, the gel inserts Bikeribbon can be stuck to the handlebar before installation, in the areas where the palms rest, without thickening the entire surface.

Installing guidoline without creases

The installation starts from the end of the handlebar and moves towards the stem. Wrap it with a consistent tension, overlapping the previous turn by about a third of its width. Around the hoods, a small strip provided in the box covers the collar of the lever before going in an eight. Finish at an angle near the stem, secured with the finishing adhesive, and tuck the excess at the end of the handlebar with the cap. Synthetic guidolines can be cleaned with soapy water; cotton should be replaced when it darkens or frays under the hands.

Bargain deals

Good deals can also be found in bargain deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are packed and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday in late autumn, the year-end festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

Does a white guidoline get dirty quickly?

Yes, white quickly shows dirt from gloves and the road. Synthetic models with a smooth surface can be cleaned with soapy water, while white cotton tends to grey over time; a brown or black tape ages more discreetly.

How long does a guidoline last?

Depending on usage, a guidoline lasts from a few months to several years. It should be replaced when it tears at the hoods after a fall, becomes smooth and slippery, or detaches at the end of the handlebar.

Do you need one or two guidolines for a handlebar?

A box contains two rolls, one for each side, along with the caps and finishing strips. Count one box per bike; a flared gravel handlebar uses a little more length than a road handlebar.

Can you reuse a guidoline after removing it?

It's rarely possible: the adhesive on the back loses its stickiness and the tape deforms when unwound. For changing levers or cables, make sure to get a new guidoline.

Does cotton guidoline absorb rain?

Yes, cotton absorbs water and becomes more slippery until it dries, especially if not varnished. Synthetic tapes with a sticky surface retain their grip better in wet conditions.